“Zoe Murphy only just got her degree in printed textiles this year and already she’s making a splash in the British design world,” begins this post at More Ways to Waste Time. We are a wee bit jealous of Zoe Murphy! (And we love her style.)

My husband has long dreamed of owning a vintage VW Westfalia camper van, and the enthusiasm is catching. We may have to upgrade those dreams now that we’ve seen the Verdier, a camper concept based on the classic Westfalia design (though not an actual VW endeavor) but with a hybrid engine and completely self-sufficient, sun-powered electrical system. Not to mention incredible style! (They have it staged with Wassily chairs as outdoor seating? Cool, but kind of hard to pack.) The Verdier’s solar panels would provide electricity to the on-board accessories; an on-board computer and GPS would track the sun’s movements for optimal power. The harsh downside to this dream? Price, of course — I’m reading that it could be upwards of $129,000. Oh well — at least exploring the Verdier site is fun. (There’s music, so turn the sound down if you’re at work.) –Mary T.

I spotted this link over on the small joys and couldn’t wait to share. I’m sure all you crafty readers will appreciate the cheekiness of the Typocalypse flickr set. Have you ever considered the presence of subliminal messages in your fonts?! — Erica P.

1. You know your food containers. When Erica wrote about unnamed glass storage, readers promptly helped us track them down. As T says: “That’s the Luminarc working glass. I’ve had those glasses in both the 10 oz. size you show and the 21 oz. size since college – it’s the only glass that stands up to my boyfriend’s fumble fingers. I’ve been able to find replacement glasses online, at Target, and in thrift stores.” Click here to see these handy glass containers.

2. Though Snickers and Reeses make us happy, we dream about gourmet chocolate for Halloween. As Ellobie shared: “I just had a fun-size Vosges Naga bar at lunch today! Can you imagine hitting the jackpot and finding a home giving away fun-size Vosges for Halloween???” Click here to share your candy weaknesses.

3. When visiting Wright’s famous buildings in Oak Park, Il, the locals have some tips. Jenny told us: “I went to HS in Oak Park. This is a good time to go to the studio as the gingko doesn’t smell like crap! OP is pretty in winter though Petersen’s ice cream is not quite as appealing. The public library is also a really cool building and it’s right across the street from Unity Temple. Unity costs money to tour, but is free if you attend a service!” Click here to read about this area’s architectural offerings.

4. Angela M. is not the only one giving a geography lesson while decorating. As Julie says: “About 7 years ago, I got a vintagepull-down school map of the US on ebay for a mere $8. We have it in the family room. I love it: Everyone always comments on it. We’re always referring to it when different cities are mentioned. :) Would love to get another someday of different countries.” Click here to see how to decorate with vintage maps.
5. When it comes to places to sits, truncated heads — even classical ones — are not so appealing. As Pencils says: “I don’t want to sit on Hercules’ face! Imagine if that were a woman in the photo.” Click here to see the bizarre stool she’s talking about!

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This is site dedicated not to homemaking, but to home loving: Decorating, cooking, entertaining, organizing, gardening and making the most out of the places we call home. Shelterrific began in 2006 ... More

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